In third Grand Prix of Baltimore, Helio Castroneves looks to reverse fortunes

Don MarkusThe Baltimore Sun

IZOD IndyCar Series points leader Helio Castroneves has not had the best experience in his first two runs in Baltimore.

Two years ago, Castroneves' car acted as a "shock absorber" when fellow Brazilian Tony Kanaan lost his brakes in the Sunday morning warmup.

Castroneves had qualified seventh, but because of the damage his car sustained in the crash, he had to change cars and start in the back. He wound up 17th.

A year ago, he finished 10th.

Castroneves said the 2.02-mile course is "not one of the toughest" among the IndyCar street races, but he adds that "it's a very challenging one" because of the change from smooth to bumpy surfaces.

"I’m looking for it to become my favorite track," Castroneves said. "Hopefully I’ll be able to finish in the top three and it will be one of my favorite tracks."

Castroneves comes into the Grand Prix of Baltimore with a 39-point lead over fast-charging Scott Dixon of New Zealand. Reigning IndyCar Series champion Ryan Hunter-Reay, who won in Baltimore last year, trails Castroneves by 62 points.

"We are not on a hunting position at this point. They are hunting us, and I’m not worried about that," Castroneves said. "I’m worried about continuing doing what we need to do to execute and bring the championship to Team Penske."